We All Have A Wonderful Father

While Father's day I think of all of the good memories I have of my dad I am never without thought of those who do not have those memories for various reasons. It can be a reminder of what you did have or a reminder of what you did not have. While my dad was living there was a time I did not like to go to church on Father's day because the minister always had a sermon about his perfect family and perfect childhood! i wanted him to share that we all have a Father - our heavenly Father! I always felt so sorry for my dad because I knew his childhood was far from that. And he was never accepted by his father. I also felt sorry for my husband because he did not have the childhood that I had. Every Father's day I pray for those who are hurting because of their situation. Some people are not able to grasp what a loving heavenly "father" would be like because of their earthly father.

When we are feeling an absence, physically or emotionally, it feels like a hole in our heart. Many people will try to fill this hole with drugs, alcohol, etc. God knows everything about you. He knows your sadness, your anger and your longing. He cares for you. 1 Peter 5: 7, "Cast all your anxiety on him for he cares for you.” Nothing can fill this hole except Jesus. It is a God-shaped hole!

Let me tell you God will more than make up for what you lack or lacked! He wants to be your Father! He not only wanted you but He formed you and made plans for you! Romans 5: 8-11,

"But God demonstrates his own love for us in this: While we were still sinners, Christ died for us. Since we have now been justified by his blood, how much more shall we be saved from God’s wrath through him!  For if, while we were God’s enemies, we were reconciled to him through the death of his Son, how much more, having been reconciled, shall we be saved through his life!  Not only is this so, but we also boast in God through our Lord Jesus Christ, through whom we have now received reconciliation."

Romans 8: 15, " The Spirit you received does not make you slaves, so that you live in fear again; rather, the Spirit you received brought about your adoption to sonship. And by him we cry, “Abba, Father.” The English word that is most close in meaning to “Abba” is “Papa” or “Daddy.” Mark 14: 36, "Abba, Father,” he said, “everything is possible for you. Take this cup from me. Yet not what I will, but what you will.” Jesus used "Abba" as he cried out to His Father in the Garden of Gethsemane shortly before He was arrested and crucified. He was dependent on his Daddy while contemplating His impending death.

A good daddy will protect his children and we have the best Protector of all! Deuteronomy 33: 26-27, "There is no one like the God of Jeshurun, who rides across the heavens to help you and on the clouds in his majesty. The eternal God is your refuge, and underneath are the everlasting arms. He will drive out your enemies before you, saying, ‘Destroy them!’ And this Daddy will NEVER leave you nor forsake you! Not once! Hebrews 13: 5, "...'Never will I leave you; never will I forsake you.'” And you are accepted! You are precious in His sight!

God will even use all of that hurt to help others. He will take our painful circumstances and display His love and grace in our lives. He will make us a beautiful portrait of His compassion for others who need to know He cares about them. And you do not just get a Daddy - you get lots of brothers and sisters! I am your sister in Christ and I am praying for you today! You are a child of God! You are special! You are loved! We all have a wonderful Father!